Softball Defeats Western Carolina in Series Finale, 9-2

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GREENSBORO, N.C. – The UNCG softball team used a big five-run fifth inning to capture the series finale against Western Carolina, 9-2, Sunday afternoon at the UNCG Softball Stadium.

The Spartans improve to 18-23 with a 4-11 SoCon mark while the Catamounts fall to 17-25, 7-8 in conference play.

Senior Raeanne Hanks (Rainier, Ore./Rainier Senior) threw a complete game earning her ninth win of the season after allowing zero earned runs with five strikeouts. Jordan Garrett (8-13) was saddled with the loss after allowing six earned runs off eight hits in 4.2 innings.

Junior Dominique Madruga (San Diego, Calif./Cathedral Catholic) went 2-for-3 with two runs scored and an RBI. Sophomore Danielle Vega (Rialto, Calif./Aquinas) was 2-for-3 with two RBI.

UNCG took a 1-0 lead after Vega lined a RBI infield single. Madruga leadoff the game working a walk. After two outs, Vega drove in her 25th RBI of the season.

The Spartans scored three more runs in the third inning off a hit and two Catamount errors. Madruga singled to start the frame and sophomore Allison Geiner (Raleigh, N.C./Middle Creek) reached on an error. Vega picked up her second RBI of the game off a sacrifice bunt. Two more runs came home off a throwing error by the third baseman.

Western Carolina scored two runs in the fourth inning off three hits and a Spartan error. Courtney Price and Kara Salvo produced back-to-back singles with one out. After a fielder’s choice, Karley Harkey reached on a throwing error allowing an unearned run to score. Heather Chastain singled up the middle to cut the lead to 4-2.

UNCG broke open the game with a five-run fifth inning off five hits. Vega started the rally with a one out double. After an out, the Spartans would put together a clutch two out hitting display. Junior Tatiana Alcala (Oxnard, Calif./Pacifica) earned a RBI single up the middle. Freshman Ally Vergona (Paramus, N.J./Immaculate Heart Academy) lined a single over the shortstop’s head for two runs batted in. Classmate Hagan Kiser (Asheboro, N.C./Southwestern) doubled home another run and Madruga singled home the fifth run of the inning. Toni MacReynolds (Vienna, Va./James Madison)

The Blue and Gold return to action for a doubleheader against Charlotte on the road Wednesday, April 16 starting at 4 p.m.

Be sure to follow all updates about the UNCG softball team on www.uncgspartans.com or on twitter @UNCGsports/@UNCGsoftball. -UNCG-